section name header

Pronunciation ⬇

hye-droe-KOR-ti-sone

Classifications ⬆ ⬇

Therapeutic Classification: corticosteroids

Pharmacologic Classification: corticosteroids

Indications ⬆ ⬇

REMS

Action ⬆ ⬇

Therapeutic Effects:

Pharmacokinetics ⬆ ⬇

Absorption: Well absorbed following oral administration. Sodium succinate salt is rapidly absorbed following IM administration. Absorption from local sites (intra-articular, intralesional) is slow but complete.

Distribution: Widely distributed, crosses the placenta, and probably enters breast milk.

Metabolism/Excretion: Metabolized mostly by the liver.

Half-life: 1.5–2 hr (plasma), 8–12 hr (tissue); adrenal suppression lasts 1.25–1.5 days.

Time/Action Profile ⬆ ⬇

(anti-inflammatory activity)

ROUTEONSETPEAKDURATION
POunknown1–2 hr1.25–1.5 days
IMrapid1 hrvariable
IVrapidunknownunknown

Contraind./Precautions ⬆ ⬇

Contraindicated in:

Use Cautiously in:

Adv. Reactions/Side Effects ⬆ ⬇

Adverse reactions/side effects are much more common with high-dose/long-term therapy

CV: hypertension.

Derm: acne, ↓wound healing, ecchymoses, fragility, hirsutism, petechiae.

EENT: cataracts, glaucoma, ↑ intraocular pressure.

Endo: adrenal suppression, cushingoid appearance (moon face, buffalo hump), hyperglycemia, PHEOCHROMOCYTOMA.

F and E: fluid retention (long-term high doses), hypokalemia, hypokalemic alkalosis.

GI: anorexia, nausea, PEPTIC ULCERATION, vomiting.

Hemat: leukocytosis, THROMBOEMBOLISM, thrombophlebitis.

Metab: weight gain, weight loss.

MS: muscle wasting, osteoporosis, avascular necrosis of joints, muscle pain.

Neuro: depression, euphoria, headache, ↑ intracranial pressure (children only), personality changes, psychoses, restlessness.

Misc: HYPERSENSITIVITY REACTIONS (INCLUDING ANAPHYLAXIS) , ↑ susceptibility to infection.

Interactions ⬆ ⬇

Drug-Drug:

Route/Dosage ⬆ ⬇

Availability ⬆ ⬇

(Generic available)

Assessment ⬆ ⬇

Lab Test Considerations:

Implementation ⬆ ⬇

Patient/Family Teaching ⬆ ⬇

Evaluation/Desired Outcomes ⬆ ⬇

US Brand Names ⬆ ⬇

A-Hydrocort, Alkindi Sprinkle, Colocort, Cortef, Cortenema, Solu-CORTEF

Code ⬆

NDC Code*